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Project Noah Nature School
Melolontha melolontha
”Melolontha melolontha the May bug or cockchafer is not a true bug but a relatively large beetle found more commonly in the south of the UK. Melolontha melolontha normally appears flying on warm evenings from May to July. Melolontha melolontha is attracted to artificial light and often comes indoors through open windows or even down chimneys. May bugs may cause consternation to those who encounter them but are harmless to humans. Melolontha melolontha grubs, however, are considered a pest feeding underground on the roots of a wide range of plants and can damage pastures and crops.”
”This species is found in: Europe Northern Asia Mediterranean Basin UK, where it is more common in the south than in the north Habitat Adult May Bugs are associated with deciduous woodland. The grubs occur in nearby gardens, pastures, parks and nurseries.”
There were hundreds of them happily flying at dusk!
Spotted on May 2, 2013
Submitted on May 6, 2013
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